Udupi/M’Belle: Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes concelebrates Annual Parish Feast in honour of St. La

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Pics By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 06 Jan 2016: Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, presently Parish Priest of Christ  the King Church, Karkala Town and Dean of Karkala Deanery who had earlier served as the Parish priest of Moodubelle was the chief celebrant of the Annual Parish Feast of St. Lawrence Church on Wednesday, 6 January 2016 at 10 am. 25 and 2 Deacons priests including Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, the chief celebrant, Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas, Dean of Udupi Varado, Rev. Dr. Lawrence D’Souza, Secretary of CESU, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO of Udupi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Paul Fernandes S.J., Vice Chancellor of Xavier University, Bhuvaneshwar, Orissa and Rev. Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Moodubelle participated in the concelebration of the solemn feast mass.

 

Prior  to the solemn feast mass, Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas distributed candles of honour to the ‘mud-dhoms’ from 9.30 am.

 

 

Priests concelebrating the feast mass along with Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes proceeded from the presbytery to the church in procession accompanied by the Altar servers to the tune of the Brass Band as the choir sang the entrance hymn.

 

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes said that as we celebrate the annual feast, it is important to meditate about the significance of the ‘Year of  Divine Mercy’ declared by Pope Francis. The Pope desires to have a renewal of  spiritualism in the church. God’s mercy is available to all those who repent their sins. Citing examples from Old Testament, Fr. Joswey  pointed out how God spared those people who repented their sins thus manifesting His Mercy. He also explained the significance of the Divine Mercy by giving examples from New Testament. As God has been merciful, we also have to be merciful. We have to be aware that we are all sinners and should enable us to repent for our sins and should seek the Divine Mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

 

The church filled to the capacity with parishioners who participated in the Holy Eucharist with devotion and enthusiasm. CCTV arrangement was made for those  who could not find place inside the church.

 

The ambience within the church was filled with the solemnity of the feast mass. The melodious singing by the choir well trained by Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas enhanced the spiritual aura of the occasion.

 

A large of number of devotees, both Christian and non-Christian  used the occasion to visit the shrine of St. Lawrence and light candles for favours received by them  through the intercession of the Saint.

 

Special candles of honour were distributed to various sponsors for different events associated with the celebration of the annual parish feast.

 

At the end of the feast mass, Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas thanked Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes, the chief celebrant of the annual feast mass. He also expressed gratitude to other priests who participated in the concelebration of the feast mass. Fr. Clement took the opportunity to thank the office bearers and members of the Parish Pastoral Council, various organizations and associations of the parish and all those who have been responsible in conducting smoothly all the events associated with  the annual parish feast.

 

On behalf of  the priests of the Udupi Varado, Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas extended greetings of the annual feast to the Parish Priest, resident priests and all the parishioners.

 

Following the end of the feast mass, people were seen greeting each other on the occasion of the annual feast. Many went around the fair to comprising of varieties of stalls. ICYM members had their own stall with different types of lucky games and entertainment.